Mindfulness for NQTs: Check in and Scan through

by Alison Laycock

Checking in and scanning through my mind and body and then checking in again is a technique I used throughout my teaching and other areas of my life and I still use today.

This allowed me to check in with myself, notice how I felt in a situation or leading up to an interaction or often I would feel the emotion or thought first which would remind me to stop and check in with myself. Then I would search through my body and mind to find what the underlying thought or response was and I would either take 3 breaths to settle myself or I would check in with myself again.

That simple acknowledgement and acceptance of what was going on for me in my body and mind was enough to allow me to move on, hopefully with acceptance rather fighting whatever was going on in me. If I could change the external situation then I would and if I couldn’t then I would simply accept it with the promise of dealing with it as soon as I could or offer myself whatever I needed to help me through.

This is a quick technique which no-one can tell you are doing from the outside as it takes seconds really and as you get used to it, it will no doubt be much quicker to work through. You can spend longer on it if needed/ wanted and there is enough time to go in depth, however if in school and teaching then it only need to be a quick process.

It can bring about much relief in a short time as you are simply acknowledging what is going on and accepting that that is how it is and if you could do something about it then you would. It can give you the tie to choose your response in difficult situations and interactions rather than rushing in with your first thought.

Every day throughout August, these tips will be shared across social media so I’m including my links here. Throughout August, I’m offering meditation/ mindfulness sessions for NQTS/teachers and school staff on 4th, 11th, 18th and 20th August at 7-7.45pm via ZOOM. If interested, please email Alison at info@beingthebestyoucanbe.org

Follow me across social media if you aren’t already to have access to the tips every day:

Facebook: Being the Best You Can Be

Twitter: @alisonlaycock23

LinkedIn: Alison Laycock

You Tube channel: Being the Best You Can Be

I’m also offering 25% off all courses for NQTs who wish to develop their mindfulness and compassion skills and resources more. The courses on offer are the 8 week MBSR programme with sessions lasting 120 mins and there are also 6 week Mindfulness and Compassion courses which last 60 mins each session. If you prefer workshops rather than courses then these are also available and can be checked out and booked via http://www.beingthebestyoucanbe.org